Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Coyote, Small Game, Varmints => Topic started by: Weresquatch on December 10, 2015, 03:01:40 PM

Title: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Weresquatch on December 10, 2015, 03:01:40 PM: Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum and am looking for a place I can use a .22 to go and hunt some bunnies. I don't have dogs. Any suggestions? I'm looking to start my son in on developing a greater love of the outdoors and harvesting his own game.
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Weresquatch on December 11, 2015, 08:14:36 AM: Thanks to those of you who took time to read this. FWIW, I'm willing to travel a bit. We have LOTS of rabbits around here but all within no firearms areas. I can drive into the hills and walk fireroads but I'm looking for a known place with a good chance of success I can take my son. I figured we'd go for a walk and harvest some rabbits and squirrels (I've never eaten squirrel but am willing to try).
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: westsidehntr on December 11, 2015, 08:18:03 AM: The only good rabbit hunting areas I know are residential areas. I rarely see rabbits in hunting areas. My :twocents:. Squirrels are all over in the timber. Good luck!
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on December 11, 2015, 08:20:36 AM: The Yacolt Burn should hold rabbits. Squrrils are off limits in WA state. FYI....
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Weresquatch on December 11, 2015, 11:48:15 AM: I thought I might have to go up into the burn but you have to drive in there quite a ways before you get past the "no shooting" signs. What do you recommend? Just hunting off of a fireroad? Fairly dense stuff. I did NOT know squirrels were off limits, I thought it was only our native squirrels were. Those invasive ones seem to be EVERYWHERE in town (for that matter I see tons of bunnies in town too).
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Goldeneye on December 11, 2015, 12:42:21 PM: Some of each is allowed in Washington Here are the particulars I just pulled.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_squirrel/

Western gray, Douglas', red, and flying squirrels are all protected species in Washington (WAC 232-12-011). Eastern gray, eastern fox, and California ground squirrels are not protected in Washington and may be hunted any time as long as all firearm restrictions are followed and a hunting license is possessed.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/rabbithares.pdf

The Nuttall’s cottontail rabbit, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare are classified as game animals. A hunting license and open season are required to hunt them.

The Pygmy rabbit is a Federal Endangered Species and cannot be hunted or trapped. The white-tailed jackrabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit are Species of Concern and a special permit is required to kill them in damage
situations.
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Weresquatch on December 11, 2015, 12:58:48 PM: Thanks for the links...it looks like pretty much all the rabbits we have around Camas/Vancouver are fair game and any squirrel with pronounced reddish markings should be good to go.
Title: Re: Rabbit hunting in the Camas/Vancouver area
Post by: Goldeneye on December 11, 2015, 01:15:55 PM: Quote from: Weresquatch on December 11, 2015, 12:58:48 PM
Thanks for the links...it looks like pretty much all the rabbits we have around Camas/Vancouver are fair game and any squirrel with pronounced reddish markings should be good to go.

Douglas squirrels are in your area and have a redish/brown sides and belly are not legal. That's one that could cause confusion.